Wednesday, January 16, 2008

SSG Jonathan K Dozier ~Farewell and Walk with God



SSG Jonathan Killian Dozier

Died January 9, 2008 ~ Iraq


The Department of Defense announced the death of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died January 9, 2008 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated in a booby-trapped house during combat operations. They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.

Killed were:Spc. Todd E. Davis, 22, of Raymore, Mo., Staff Sgt. Jonathan K. Dozier, 30, of Rutherford, Tenn., Staff Sgt. Sean M. Gaul, 29, of Reno, Nev., Sgt. Zachary W. McBride, 20, of Bend, Ore., Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Pionk, 30, of Superior, Wis., Sgt. Christopher A. Sanders, 22, of Roswell, N.M.

From WTKR -- Chesapeake native Staff Sergeant Jonathan Kilian Dozier died in Iraq. The 30 year old soldier was killed during ongoing operations in the Baqouba area and Diyala province in central Iraq, his father, Carl Dozier, said this afternoon.

Dozier came from a family with a history of service. His relatives fought in the Civil War, both World Wars and Desert Storm. One of Dozier's kin, Thomas Lenwood Dozier, fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War as a private in the North Carolina Regiment. Carl Dozier's maternal grandfather, Kilian Lang, served as an artilleryman in the German army in World War I. His father, Wilbur, enlisted in the Coast Guard in August 1941, just months before the U.S. entered World War II following the sneak attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Dozier said his son e-mailed him a photograph (shown above), taken on Christmas Day after his unit had a holiday meal - and just minutes before he was to go on an earlier mission. He said he did all he could to stay in touch with his son.


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SSG Jonathan Dozier is buried at Arlington National Cemetery: http://arlingtoncemetery.net/jkdozier.htm

SSG Dozier lived his life on the 'tip of the spear', a life dedicated to his country, to something larger than himself. By the comments from the people who have visited here, SSG Dozier was a caring and wonderful man and friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends and the men he served with during this difficult time.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dozier was a great man and my best friend in college. He helped me through many rough times in my life and is a large part of why I am the person that I am today. We will always love you and miss you brother. hff Derek Michael

Flag Gazer said...

Derek -
Thank you for sharing your story with us. With sympathies on the loss of your friend. He will never be forgotten here.

Anonymous said...

I am Jonathan's Mother, Martha Cabe
and I want to tell you Derek Michael how much it has meant to me to read your words--it makes a mother proud to know that her son has left a little of himself with so many and to you flag gazer for your commitment to the Military and
our beautiful Country "America". Thank you from our family and on the behalf of our beloved son, Jonathan.

Flag Gazer said...

Martha -
Thank you for visiting here and sharing with us.

I will keep this place for Jonathan - we will never forget all that he gave on our behalf.

God Bless you all. Our gratitude and sympathies and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Dozier was my roommate in college. We had many fun summers at the river house with Ryan, and I even had the pleasure of traveling home with him to Virginia. The Dozier's raised a great, intellectual, brave man who is and will forever be missed by those who know him best. I admire your family for your patriotism to our country, and for raising such wonderful children and instilling your values, morals, and duty to their country in them. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless! -Annah Hill

Flag Gazer said...

Annah ~
Thank you for sharing your memories of thiswonderful man.

He will never be forgotten here.

Anonymous said...

You made us all laugh. Now we all cry. You a are true American hero. You will be missed beyond words, and you will never be forgotten. I am proud that I knew you and am able to call you my friend. You have made me so proud and sad. God Bless You, and I'll see you on the other side my friend.

Anonymous said...

The initial shock of losing a brave and heroic son has faded but the reality of him never coming home is vivid. Annah and Derek I want to thank you for being a true friend to Jon. He is missed by his family and a host of dear friends and I cherish the contact and comments you made. You are always welcomed in our home.
Flag Gazer, I truly appreciate your hard work in maintaining this tribute. You are a Patriot and a Good person who appears to have a stronger grasp of citizenship than many.
Jon is with the heroes in Arlington. It was his wish to be laid to rest in those hallowed grounds.
You can visit with Jon at:
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jkdozier.htm

Flag Gazer said...

It is my honor to keep the memory of these fine Americans alive. In my home and my heart, they are never forgotten.

Anonymous said...

I think of you often my friend.
God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Jon,

I found this site as I was thinking of you and remembering the good times at the SigEp house. Thank you....

HFF
Frank Mayberry

Anonymous said...

I think of you often, and wish you were here. I regret that I am not good at keeping in touch with people or those who are my friends like you were. I know you are with God. We miss you very much my friend!

Anonymous said...

We remember!

Anonymous said...

We remember! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

John we will never forget. I tell your story a lot, so others will know of ur bravery. And i still have some good laughs from the old days.

Anonymous said...

gob bless you buddy. i talk about you alot and tell your story to the youth so one day they may be hero's